Chelsea's Didier Drogba yesterday said he would remain at Stamford Bridge for another two years at least. The Ivory Coast striker has been linked with a move away from the club all summer, with Barcelona, Milan and Internazionale all thought to be possible destinations for the 30-year-old. However, Drogba insists he will happily see out his contract with the Blues.

"I have always said that I am very happy at Chelsea," he told the magazine France Football. "It's a great team with great players and a great coach. Everything's going well here and I have two years left on my contract and I will spend them at Chelsea."

In an interview with the same magazine last October, soon after the departure of José Mourinho as manager, Drogba claimed he wanted to quit Stamford Bridge. "I want to leave Chelsea," he said. "Something is broken with Chelsea. Nothing can stop me from leaving now." He later said he regretted the remarks and was "100% committed" to Chelsea.

Liverpool's chief executive, Rick Parry, has insisted the club's American owners have not undermined Rafael Benítez over the transfer of Gareth Barry, despite admitting Aston Villa's valuation on the England international is "too high".

George Gillett and Tom Hicks refused to sanction a short-term loan to complete Barry's £18m transfer last Thursday due to reservations over the financial package involved and the need to sign the midfielder with Xabi Alonso still at the club. Alonso received a tumultuous reception throughout Friday's friendly victory over Lazio at Anfield, while Barry's proposed arrival was scorned, but afterwards Benítez insisted the latter's versatility and nationality made the deal worthwhile.

The Liverpool manager gave a cryptic post-match press conference, echoing the performance he delivered during the Americans' approach to Jürgen Klinsmann last season. But Parry denied Benítez's judgement has been called into question. "The owners have clearly demonstrated throughout the year they are willing to back Rafa in the transfer market and will continue to do so," said Parry. "It is obviously the selling club's prerogative to put whatever price they want on the player, but on this occasion Liverpool think the price quoted is too high."

Liverpool's owners would prefer to use the £18m to bid for the Valencia winger David Silva, although he is believed to be close to joining Barcelona.